CN103716080A - A phased array antenna and associated methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A phased array transmitter is disclosed comprising a vector modulator, a true time delay block coupled to the vector modulator, a local oscillator phase shifter and RF-converter block (212) coupled to the true time delay block, and an antenna. The vector modulator is configured to apply vector modulation to a baseband signal and provide an intermediate frequency signal to the true time delay block (208). The true time delay block is configured to apply a true time delay to the intermediate frequency signal and provide a delayed intermediate frequency signal to the local oscillator phase shifter and RF-converter block. The local oscillator phase shifter and RF-converter block is configured to multiply the delayed intermediate frequency signal by a local oscillator signal and apply a phase shift to the delayed intermediate frequency signal to provide a radio frequency signal to the antenna for onwards transmission. A phased array receiver is also disclosed.

Description

Phase array transmitter, receiver and method thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates to phased array antenna field.

Background technology

Phased array antenna/transmitter can be considered to a kind of array antenna, wherein, for the phase place skew each other in the following manner of the antenna input signal that transmits: suppress at a certain specific orientation enhancement with in other specific directions from effective radiation pattern of phased-array antenna transmitting.Microwave and millimeter wave phased array transmitter can be realized phase shift in local oscillator (LO) or radio frequency (RF) path.

Summary of the invention

Formerly disclosed listed files or discussion or any background technology is not necessarily confirmed to be these files or background technology is a part for state of the art in the application, or common practise.One or more aspect/embodiment of the present invention can or can not solve the one or more technical problems in background problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, provide a kind of phase array transmitter, comprised a plurality of array elements, each array element comprises:

Vector modulator;

Be couple to the true time delay module of vector modulator;

Be couple to local oscillator phase shifter and the RF conversion module of true time delay module; With

Antenna;

Wherein,

Vector modulator is configured to apply Vector Modulation to baseband signal, and provides intermediate-freuqncy signal to arrive true time delay module;

True time delay module is configured to apply true time delay to intermediate-freuqncy signal, and provides the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to local oscillator phase shifter and RF conversion module; With

Local oscillator phase shifter and RF conversion module are configured to the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to be multiplied by local oscillator signals, and application move on to mutually the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay, thereby provide radiofrequency signal to arrive antenna for further transmission.

Conventionally, at the signal of lower frequency, for example in intermediate-freuqncy signal, executable operations is than the signal at upper frequency, as more favourable in executable operations in radiofrequency signal, for example, reduce the loss in circuit.By intermediate-freuqncy signal rather than radiofrequency signal are carried out to true time delay, because be to act on lower intermediate frequency rather than higher radiofrequency signal, any loss in true delay circuit all will greatly reduce.Utilize the structure recommend, for the length of intermediate frequency and true delay line for radiofrequency signal, keep identical.The radiofrequency signal that this device provides can be broadband signal.

By for example applying true time delay, to intermediate-freuqncy signal (rather than,, to radiofrequency signal), can advantageously generate ultra broadband wave beam and carry out true time delay.Generally, local oscillator phase shift is only applicable to narrow-band beam and forms, and changes to the direction that different frequencies can change launched wave beam, and this is not wish to occur.Yet disclosed local oscillator phase shift and the combination of the true time delay of intermediate frequency herein, is conducive to allow to produce the radiofrequency signal of true time delay for the wave beam formation in (surpass) broadband, side signal transmission is to can not be along with frequency change.

Phase array transmitter adopts the true time delay of intermediate frequency.By the system of the true time delay of radio frequency, often with transmission delay line, realize the delay of signal.But it is generally to change the length (thereby change its delay) of delay line by radio-frequency (RF) switch that tuning period postpones.At millimeter-wave frequency, use this switch can cause serious limitation.In addition, use this radio-frequency (RF) switch conventionally can introduce different insertion loss to each deferred mount, this need to be compensated when using variable gain amplifier (VGA), but it is non-linear in circuit to use VGA to introduce.Generally, switch is better in radio frequency performance at middle frequency ratio.The phase array emittor/receiver with the true time delay of intermediate frequency disclosing herein does not need VGA, is therefore conducive to reduce non-linear that VGA in circuit causes.

True time delay module, local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module, can be configured to provide the radiofrequency signal with following characteristic:

The phase shift changing with frequency linearity in fact;

With the irrelevant in fact radio frequency time delay of frequency;

With the irrelevant in fact wave beam deflection angle of frequency.

Vector modulator can be inphase/orthogonal vector modulator.This inphase/orthogonal vector modulator, can comprise at least one vector modulator local oscillator, inphase mixer, out-phase frequency mixer, and intermediate frequency combiner.Inphase mixer can be configured to by the signal from least one vector modulator local oscillator is mixed to provide homophase intermediate-freuqncy signal with in-phase input signals for 1.Out-phase frequency mixer can be configured to by mixing to provide quadrature intermediate-freuqncy signal by the signal from least one vector modulator local oscillator and positive input signal.Homophase intermediate-freuqncy signal and quadrature intermediate-freuqncy signal can combine to provide intermediate-freuqncy signal by intermediate frequency combiner.

Local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module can comprise phase shifter local oscillator and multiphase filter, and this filter is couple to phase shifter local oscillator.Phase shifter local oscillator and multiphase filter can be configured to provide the local oscillator signals of a plurality of phase shifts.Local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module can comprise frequency divider, and this frequency divider can be configured to provide the local oscillator signals of a plurality of phase shifts.

Local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module can also comprise the Vector Modulation module of phase place over-sampling, the Vector Modulation block configuration of this phase place over-sampling for the Vector Modulation of local oscillator signals application phase over-sampling by using a plurality of phase shifts to the intermediate-freuqncy signal of the time delay receiving from true time delay module so that radiofrequency signal to be provided.Use the vector modulator of phase place over-sampling in LO path, rather than, for example, in RF path, provide following advantage, improved the linearity of circuit, the true time delay of intermediate-freuqncy signal, ultra broadband wave beam form, and tunable amplitude.When not needing high-amplitude resolution, VGA neither be essential in circuit, thereby further improve the linearity.

The vector modulator module of phase place over-sampling can comprise:

Tri-state switch module, is configured to application+1 ,-1 or 0 phaseswitch to each in the local oscillator signals of a plurality of phase shifts, so that local oscillator signals a plurality of phaseswitchs, phase shift to be provided;

A plurality of frequency mixers, are configured to local oscillator signals a plurality of phaseswitchs, phase shift and the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to mix to provide the radiofrequency signal of a plurality of phase shifts; With

Radio frequency combiner, the radiofrequency signal that is configured to combine a plurality of phase shifts is to provide radiofrequency signal.

Each local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module can comprise radio-frequency-up-converter, and this radio-frequency-up-converter is configured to the intermediate-freuqncy signal of receive delay and radiofrequency signal is provided; And variable phase shifter, this variable phase shifter is configured to the phase shifter local oscillator signals that application moves on to reception mutually, to provide the local oscillator signals of phase shift to radio-frequency-up-converter.Each variable phase shifter in a plurality of array elements can be configured to receive public phase shifter local oscillator signals.

A plurality of array elements can comprise the first array element and one or more follow-up array element.The first array element can be configured to directly from vector modulator receiving intermediate frequency signal.One or more follow-up array elements, can be configured to the intermediate-freuqncy signal from array element receive delay above, to provide the intermediate-freuqncy signal of other delay to the local oscillator phase shifter being associated and RF frequency converter module.

True time delay module can comprise the true delay line of switch, have true delay function can discrete tuning passive network and there is at least one in the passive network of continuously-tuning of true delay function.Switch can be applied to for change the delay of the intermediate-freuqncy signal in circuit, and switches than more favourable in higher frequency (as radio frequency) switching, because the loss meeting from circuit reduces in lower frequency (as intermediate frequency).

Variable gain amplifier (VGA) can be coupled between true time delay module and local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module.VGA can be used for, and for example, if while needing higher amplitude resolution, but amplitude discrimination can not need when lower.From circuit, omit VGA and contribute to the linearity that keeps high.

Power amplifier (PA) can be coupled between local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module and antenna.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of communication system of point-to-point, this system comprises disclosed phase array transmitter herein.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of method that radiofrequency signal is provided, having comprised:

Application Vector Modulation is to baseband signal, so that intermediate-freuqncy signal to be provided;

Apply true time delay to intermediate-freuqncy signal, so that the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to be provided;

The intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay is multiplied by local oscillator signals and applies the intermediate-freuqncy signal that moves on to mutually delay, thus the radiofrequency signal of providing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of phased-array receiver, comprised a plurality of array elements, each array element comprises:

Antenna;

Be couple to local oscillator phase shifter and the RF frequency converter module of antenna;

Be couple to the true time delay module of local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module;

Vector modulator;

Wherein,

Local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module are configured to local oscillator signals and phase shift to be applied to the radiofrequency signal by antenna reception, so that the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to be provided;

True time delay module is configured to apply true time delay to the intermediate-freuqncy signal of the delay being provided by local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module and provides intermediate-freuqncy signal to vector modulator;

Vector modulator is configured to apply vector solution and is transferred to the intermediate-freuqncy signal that provided by true time delay module so that baseband signal to be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of method that baseband signal is provided, having comprised:

Radiofrequency signal is multiplied by local oscillator signals, and application move on to mutually radiofrequency signal, so that the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to be provided;

Apply true time delay to the intermediate-freuqncy signal postponing, so that intermediate-freuqncy signal to be provided; With

Application Vector Modulation is to intermediate-freuqncy signal, so that baseband signal to be provided.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Below only describe by way of example, with reference to accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 a shows phased array antenna system and provide phase shift in radio frequency (RF) path;

Fig. 1 b shows phased array antenna system and provide phase shift in local oscillator (LO) path;

Fig. 2 shows the phase array transmitter according to the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows according to the phase array transmitter of the embodiment of the present invention and wave beam and forms;

Fig. 4 shows the I/Q vector modulator according to the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 a shows according to the LO phase shifter of the embodiment of the present invention and RF frequency converter module;

Fig. 5 b shows the vector modulator (POVM) according to the phase place over-sampling of the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 a and 6b show respectively according to the true time delay module of the embodiment of the present invention and LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module;

Fig. 7 shows the phase array transmitter according to the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 shows according to the gain constellation of the phase array transmitter of the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 a-9b shows the analog result to the RF phase shift of phased array antenna and RF time delay according to the embodiment of the present invention;

In Figure 10 a-10b, illustrated using LO phase shifter not comprise the RF signal delay of phased array antenna and the analog result of wave beam deflection angle of true time delay; With

Figure 10 c-10d shows the analog result to the RF signal delay of phased array antenna and wave beam deflection angle according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiment

Embodiments of the invention relate to phased array antenna, this phased array antenna is considered the true time delay of intermediate frequency (IF) signal and the combination of LO phase shift, to provide the RF signal of the true time delay with good characteristic to transmit, this good characteristic comprise RF time delay and with the wave beam deflection angle of the frequency-independent of RF signal.This can make broadband signal transmit ideally.

In addition, disclosed phased array antenna also can be used as receiver herein, thereby considers intermediate frequency (IF) signal and the LO phase shift of the true time delay of combination, so that the baseband signal from the broadband RF signal receiving to be provided.It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the feature of disclosed phase array transmitter is applicable to phased-array receiver herein.

Microwave and millimeter wave phase array transmitter can be realized phase shift in local oscillator (LO) or radio frequency (RF) path.Fig. 1 a shows phase array transmitter and carry out phase shift in RF path.Fig. 1 b shows phase array transmitter and carry out phase shift in LO path.

Fig. 1 a shows the single array element 100 of phased array system, has transmission data 102, and transmission data 102 are imported into digital modulator 104, and digital modulator 104 is coupled to digital to analogy (D/A) transducer 106.D/A converter 106 is coupled to RF upconverter 108.LO signal generator 110 provides local oscillator signals to RF upconverter 108.RF upconverter 108 is coupled to phase shifter 112, and then phase shifter 112 transmits RF output signal and arrive antenna 118 for transmission via variable gain amplifier (VGA) 114 and power amplifier (PA) 116.Phase shifter 112 is in the RF path of circuit.

Fig. 1 b shows the single array element 150 of phased array system, has transmission data 152, and transmission data 152 are imported into digital modulator 154, and digital modulator 154 is coupled to digital to analogy (D/A) transducer 156.This D/A converter is coupled to RF upconverter 158.LO signal generator 160 is coupled to phase shifter 162, to provide the local oscillator signals of phase shift to RF upconverter 158.RF upconverter 158 transmit RF output signals via VGA164 and PA166 to antenna 168 for transmitting.Phase shifter 162 is in the LO path of circuit.

The RF phase shifter of the LO phase shifter of Fig. 1 b and RF frequency converter module 162 and Fig. 1 a and RF frequency converter module 112 can comprise that passive network is to realize true time delay, or can comprise that active inphase/orthogonal (I/Q) vector modulator is to realize phase shift.Can in RF signal path, use Vector Modulation (POVM) technology of phase place over-sampling to substitute I/Q Vector Modulation, to improve the linearity.POVM transfers to framework level by the complexity of the design of submodule.

For RF phase shift, passive network, as comprise transmission delay line, and can be used for realizing true time delay, thereby realize broadband beams, form.Use RF switched tuning time delay, may cause serious enforcement restriction at millimeter-wave frequency.For example, some switch (as high-quality switch) has little insertion loss and high-isolation.Large scale switch, when switch is closed, contributes to reduce insertion loss.Yet due to the parasitic capacitance between the input and output of switch, due to large switch size, when switch disconnects, isolation can reduce.This problem becomes more serious when higher frequency, because the impact of parasitic capacitance is larger.In addition, switch is poorer in the IF frequency place linearity at RF frequency place ratio.

In addition, tunable time delay module can be introduced different insertion loss for each delay arrange, and when using one or more variable gain amplifiers (VGA), need to be compensated.When beamforming algorithm need to return to zero and Sidelobe Suppression, for example, during for tunable output amplitude, also may need VGA.VGA is included, can be reduced the linearity of transmitter.When active phase shift is applied to RF path, as shown in Fig. 1 a, it may be only accurately that wave beam forms in narrow bandwidth.

In passive network and active phase shift, in I/Q Vector Modulation scheme, use VGA to introduce extra non-linear, this is for many digital modulation scheme with amplitude modulation(PAM), if quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is a key parameter.

For LO phase shift, no matter be passive or active, the impact of the various losses of I/Q VGA and the RF signal that nonlinearity provides frequency mixer is minimum, and the RF signal that frequency mixer provides is by LO signal direct-cut operation.LO phase shift may be only applicable to narrow-band beam and form.

Fig. 2 shows according to the phased array antenna of the embodiment of the present invention array element, and the present invention can solve above-mentioned one or more problem.Be understandable that, as be well known in the art, phased array antenna can comprise the array element shown in a plurality of Fig. 2.

Array element 200 comprises vector modulator 204, and true time delay module 208 is couple to vector modulator 204, and LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 212 are couple to true time delay module 208, and antenna 216 is couple to LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 212.

Vector modulator 204 is configured to apply Vector Modulation to the baseband signal 202 receiving at vector modulator 204 places, to provide IF signal 206 to true time delay module 208.

True time delay module 208 is configured to apply true time delay to IF signal 206, to provide the IF signal 210 of delay to LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 212.

LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 212 are configured to the IF signal 210 of delay to be multiplied by LO signal, and apply the IF signal 210 that moves on to mutually delay, to provide RF signal 214 to arrive antenna 216 for further transmission.When phased array antenna is during as transmitter, the IF signal that LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 212 up-conversions postpone is to RF signal.RF signal 214 can be (surpassing) broadband signal.

True time delay module 208 and LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 212 are configured to provide the RF signal 214 with good characteristic to antenna 216 in the present embodiment.These characteristics can comprise that RF signal 214 has in fact the phase shift changing with frequency linearity, in fact with the RF time delay of frequency-independent, and in fact with the wave beam deflection angle of frequency-independent.The relation of this and frequency of RF signal can make broadband, or even ultra-broadband signal transmits ideally.

Be understandable that, identical array element can be used to by same or similar reverse processing step receiving wide-band signal ideally.

As shown in Figure 3, with the formula shown in below, the true time delay of how applying as shown in Figure 2 plays an important role in the bandwidth that expands system to IF signal.

Fig. 3 shows the phased array antenna 300 with n antenna.Input signal 302 is provided to a plurality of variable Delay Elements 304,306,308,310, and each in this Delay Element is associated with in n antenna one.Variable Delay Element 304,306,308,310 Applicative times postpone (a plurality of τ) to input signal 302, make the signal being sent by each antenna that the plane to a plurality of antennas at the active wave beam 312 of the transmitter that departs from plane θ degree place is provided.θ is target emanation angle, and d is the spacing between antenna, and c is velocity of wave, and k is wave vector, and τ is time delay.Transmitter activates the direction of wave beam 312 and wave vector k, illustrates together with two secondary lobes 316 with two wave beams, zero limit 314.

Formula below can be for illustrating the difference between true time delay and phase shift:

$\mathrm{\θ}={\sin }^{-1}\left(\frac{\mathrm{c\τ}}{d}\right)={\sin }^{-1}\left[\frac{\mathrm{\φ}}{360\×d/\mathrm{\λ}}\right]---\left(1\right)$

Wherein λ is the wavelength of signal, and other symbol is identical with the implication in Fig. 3.The signal at antenna place should have Delta Time and postpone τ and increment phase shift φ.From equation above, can find out, Delta Time postpones τ and frequency-independent, but φ relevant to wavelength (therefore, with frequency dependence).This means, for broadband signal, beam angle expands along with the increase in frequency range.

According to embodiments of the invention, desired RF phase shift φ _c,, for centre frequency, be divided into two parts: φ _c=φ _lO+ φ _{iF, c}φ wherein _lOlO phase shift, and φ _{iF, c}it is center IF phase shift.

By realization, there is the true time delay τ of IF _iFφ _{iF, c}, the true time delay of IF can be set to:

${\mathrm{\τ}}_{\mathrm{IF}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\φ}}_{\mathrm{IF},c}}{\left(2\mathrm{\π}{f}_{\mathrm{IF},c}\right)}---\left(2\right)$

F wherein _{iF, c}it is the centre frequency of IF signal.Suppose that LO signal has signal frequency f _lO, IF signal has centre frequency f _{iF, c}, and bandwidth BW, so RF signal has centre frequency

f _RF，c＝f _IF，c+f _LO (3)

And bandwidth BW.

When the combination of IF and LO path phase is than meeting following condition:

${\mathrm{\φ}}_{\mathrm{IF},c}=\frac{f_{\mathrm{IF},c}}{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}}\×{\mathrm{\φ}}_c---\left(4\right)$

Then, equation (4) substitution equation (2) has drawn

${\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{IF}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="HDA0000389938610000031.png,HDA0000389938610000061.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF},c}}---\left(5\right)$

And by equation (4) and formula (3) substitution φ _lO=φ _c-φ _iF

Can derive following formula:

${\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{LO}}={\mathrm{\&phi;}}_c-{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_c\&times;\frac{f_{\mathrm{IF},c}}{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}}={\mathrm{\&phi;}}_c\&times;(1-\frac{f_{\mathrm{IF},c}}{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}})={\mathrm{\&phi;}}_c\&times;\frac{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}-f_{\mathrm{IF},c}}{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}}={\mathrm{\&phi;}}_c\&times;\frac{f_{\mathrm{LO}}}{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}}---\left(6\right)$

Then in bandwidth BW

F _iF=f _{iF, c}+ Δ f and f _rF=f _{rF, c}+ Δ f, wherein $\mathrm{\&Delta;f}\&Element;[-\frac{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="BW"\; filenames="HDA0000389938610000031.png,HDA0000389938610000061.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">BW</figure-callout>}}{2},\frac{\mathrm{BW}}{2}]---\left(7\right)$

Therefore,, in order to show, in BW, RF Delta Time postpones τ _rFpostpone τ with the RF Delta Time at center _{rF, c}, equate, consider:

${\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{RF}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="RF"\; filenames="HDA0000389938610000031.png,HDA0000389938610000061.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">RF</figure-callout>}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF}}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{LO}}+{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{IF}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF}}}---\left(8\right)$

And according to definition:

φ _IF＝2τf _IF×τ _IF (9)

By by equation (9) and formula (6) substitution equation (8):

${\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{RF}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{LO}}+{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{IF}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF}}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_c\&times;\frac{f_{\mathrm{LO}}}{{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}}^9}+{\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{IF}}\&times;{2\mathrm{f\&pi;}}_{\mathrm{IF}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF}}}$

$\left(10\right)$

Then, equation (5) substitution equation (10) is obtained:

${\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{RF}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_c\&times;\frac{f_{\mathrm{LO}}}{f_{\mathrm{RF},c}}+\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="HDA0000389938610000031.png,HDA0000389938610000061.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF},c}}\&times;2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{IF}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF}}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="HDA0000389938610000031.png,HDA0000389938610000061.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF},c}}={\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{RF},c}---\left(11\right)$

This shows, RF Delta Time postpones τ _rFthe RF Delta Time that equals center postpones τ _{rF, c}.Therefore, RF time delay does not change with bandwidth BW.Therefore, the wave beam deflection angle of any IF signal is identical with center frequency signal.

Consider equation (2), (5) and (11), also can find out, if total time delay is applied in RF path, τ _iFequal in this case identical value:

${\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{IF}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{IF},\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="HDA0000389938610000031.png,HDA0000389938610000061.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{IF},c}}=\frac{{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="HDA0000389938610000031.png,HDA0000389938610000061.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}}}{2\mathrm{\&pi;}{f}_{\mathrm{RF},c}}={\mathrm{\&tau;}}_{\mathrm{RF}}---\left(12\right)$

Therefore, if realize true time delay with true delay line, in IF frequency with identical in the length of the needed true delay line of RF frequency.Otherwise, if total delay realizes in IF frequency, the needed length of delay line with at the needed length ratio of RF frequency, be f _{rF, c}/ f _{iF, c}.

Compare with the topology of the RF phase shift of using true delay line to realize, true delay line is placed on to IF and there are several advantages.At least some advantage comes from such fact, and IF signal has lower frequency than RF signal.

First, the loss of true delay line is low in higher RF frequency in IF frequency ratio.Secondly, be accompanied by LO phase shift, equal in length in the length of the needed true delay line of IF frequency with at the needed true delay line of RF frequency.In most of the cases, the delay line using in phase array transmitter has taken a large amount of chip areas.Reduce or reduce its area taking and not only reduced the cost of chip, and making the floor plan of whole chip easier.The 3rd, when switching true delay line, in IF frequency ratio, in higher RF frequency, there is better performance (for example, low-loss and high-isolation).Certainly, switching true delay line is not the unique method that realizes the true time delay of IF.Tunable (discretely or continuously) passive or active network of other types, this passive or active network also can meet this thought while having true time-delay characteristics, and can be used.

Fig. 4-Fig. 6 show according to the embodiment of the present invention can be for the assembly in the block diagram of Fig. 2, to realize phased array antenna.

Fig. 4 shows inphase/orthogonal (I/Q) vector modulator 400 according to an embodiment of the invention, and it can be as the vector modulator in phased array antenna circuit.In the present embodiment, I/Q vector modulator 400 comprises vector modulator local oscillator (LO) 402, vector modulator LO402 is configured to provide a LO signal 414 to inphase mixer 404 and provides the 2nd LO signal 416 to out-phase/orthogonal mixer 406, the two LO signals 416 and 90 ° of LO signal 414 phase phasic differences.Or, can use more than one vector modulator LO402, each vector modulator LO402 provides required local oscillator signals to inphase mixer 404 and orthogonal mixer 406.Frequency mixer 404,406 can multiply each other input signal they are mixed.The output of inphase mixer 404 is that the output of homophase IF signal 410 and out-phase/orthogonal mixer 406 is out-phase IF signals 412.IF signal 401,412 is provided to IF combiner 408.Such IF combiner 408 can be adder.

Homophase IF signal 410 and out-phase/quadrature IF signal 412 combine to provide IF signal 422 to true time delay module by IF combiner 408.In other embodiments, I/Q Vector Modulation may need not be used; Can use the Vector Modulation of another kind of form.

Fig. 5 a shows according to the LO phase shifter of the embodiment of the present invention and RF frequency converter module 500.Shown LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 500 comprise that phase shifter local oscillator (LO) 5 () 2 is couple to multiphase filter 510 via frequency divider 506.By frequency divider 506 and multiphase filter 510, produce a plurality of signals with out of phase in the present embodiment.

Phase shifter LO502 is configured to generate LO signal 504, and LO signal 504 is passed to frequency divider 506 for frequency division, thereby at 508 generation quadrature phases (0 °, 90 °, 180 °, 270 °).Signal after frequency division is passed to multiphase filter 510.LO signal 512-0 °, 45 °, 90 °, 135 °, 180 °, 225 °, 270 °, 315 ° (differential signals of 0 °, 45 °, 90 °, 135 °) of eight phase shifts of multiphase filter 510 output arrives the vector modulator (POVM) 514 of phase place over-sampling.The POVM514 also true time delay from the IF signal path of phased array antenna circuit receives IF signal 516.POVM then output signal 518 for via antenna transmission.

POVM514 is in LO path (in LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 500), compares with the POVM in RF path, has improved the linearity of transmitter.POVM in LO path in circuit provides LO phase shift advantage (the improved linearity, true time delay and ultra broadband wave beam form), and adjustable amplitude is provided.When not needing high-amplitude resolution, in circuit, can not need VGA, thereby further improve the linearity.

POVM combination in LO path, if having the true time delay module of IF (that is, delayed action is in IF signal) rather than the true time delay module of RF simultaneously, provides true time delay and ultra broadband wave beam to form.Theoretically, can obtain infinite bandwidth.Can expect that LO phase shift only forms effectively narrow-band beam.Yet by using the true time delay of IF in the signal path before POVM, so that the mixing of the true time delay of LO phase shift and IF with special ratios to be provided, the output obtaining can be the RF signal of true time delay.

Therefore,, for Fig. 5 a, phase shifter LO502 and multiphase filter 510 are configured to provide the LO signal 512 of a plurality of phase shifts.POVM514 is configured to use the Vector Modulation of LO signal 512 application phase over-samplings of a plurality of phase shifts to the signal 512 receiving from TTD, to provide RF signal 518 for transmission.

Fig. 5 b shows the POVM520 according to the embodiment of the present invention.POVM520 is configured to use the Vector Modulation of LO signal 532,534,536,538 application phase over-samplings of a plurality of phase shifts to the IF signal 522 of the delay receiving from TTD, so that RF signal 566 to be provided.For example, shown in Fig. 5 a, the LO signal 532,534,536,538 of a plurality of phase shifts is produced by multiphase filter 510.

POVM520 in Fig. 5 b comprises each of tri-state switch module (can be considered to 1 ,-1,0 module) 540,542,544, the 546 LO signals 532,534,536,538 for phase shift.Tri-state switch module 540,542,544,546 is configured to application+1,-1 or 0 phaseswitch is to each in the LO signal 532,534,536,538 of a plurality of phase shifts, so that LO signal 548,550,552,554 a plurality of phaseswitchs, phase shift to be provided.Tri-state switch module 540,542,544,546, in LO path, and is configured to switch LO phase place between 0 ° (by being multiplied by+1) and 180 ° (by being multiplied by-1), or turn-offs phase bit position (by being multiplied by 0).

POVM520 also comprises a plurality of frequency mixers 524,526,528,530, a plurality of frequency mixers are configured to the IF signal 522 that mixes LO signal 548,550,552,554 a plurality of phaseswitchs, phase shift and postpone, so that the RF signal 556,558,560,562 of a plurality of phase shifts to be provided.As shown at Fig. 5 b, at the LO signal 554 first-phase bit switch, phase shift of 0 ° of phase place, mix with the IF signal 522 postponing, so that the RF signal 556 of the first phase shift to be provided.At the LO signals 552 second-phase bit switch, phase shift of 45 °, mix with the IF signal 522 postponing, so that the RF signal 558 of the second phase shift to be provided.At the LO signals 550 third phase bit switch, phase shift of 90 °, mix with the IF signal 522 postponing, so that the RF signal 560 of the 3rd phase shift to be provided.At the 4th LO signals 548 phaseswitch, phase shift of 135 °, mix with the IF signal 522 postponing, so that the RF signal 562 of the 4th phase shift to be provided.

POVM520 also comprises RF combiner 564, and RF combiner 564 is configured to combine the RF signal 556,558,560,562 of a plurality of phase shifts, to provide RF signal 566 for further transmitting by antenna.For example, this RF combiner 564 can be adder.

Use tri-state switch module 540,542,544,546 can be by increasing or deduct the desired whole phase shift of applied in any combination of the difference LO signal (0 °, 45 °, 90 °, 135 °) 532,534,536,538 of the out of phase receiving from multiphase filter.81 different points of all possible combination results of three states (+1 ,-1,0) of four phase places (0 °, 45 °, 90 °, 135 °).The resolution of amplitude and phase place depends on the number of the LO signal of used phasing.For example, if use 16 phase places, rather than 8 phase places, the planisphere of gain will comprise 6561 (3 ⁸) individual point.For example, if use two-stage switch (, 1 and-1), these figure will comprise 16 (2 ⁴) individual point.Amplitude changes according on off state.POVM520 can be used for the RF signal of each antenna that application moves on to phased array antenna mutually by this way, with the directional beam of deflection phased array antenna to desired direction.If need minute rate rate of higher beam direction, can use the multiphase filter of the signal with more different phasings.

Fig. 6 a shows three array elements 647,648,649 for phased array antenna according to the true time delay module 610 of the embodiment of the present invention and LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 618.IF signal 602 from vector modulator is passed to true time delay module 610, then arrives LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 618, then as RF signal, is delivered to antenna for transmission.

True time delay module 610 comprises a plurality of true delay cells 604,606,608, a plurality of true delay cells 604,606,608 are configured to each array element/antenna in phase array (647,648,, 649) to provide the IF signal 612,614,616 of delay to LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 618.

IF signal 602 from vector modulator is delivered to each in three true delay cells 604,606,608, is marked as in the present embodiment " TTD τ 1 ", " TTD τ 2 " and " TTD τ 3 " in true time delay module 610.To each antenna, each the tuning delay that is applied to IF signal 602 in true delay cell 604,606,608, so that the direction of definition phase array.When a large amount of array element of needs transmits for narrow beam width, each true time delay module needs larger time delay scope, although larger true time delay consumes more chip area.

Each in the IF signal 612,614,616 postponing is delivered to RF upconverter 634,632,630 separately for RF up-conversion.RF upconverter 634,632,630, by variable LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter 628,626,624 separately, receives the LO signal from phase shifter LO620.Therefore, the IF signal 612,614,616 of the delay that the LO signal up-conversion of each the use phase shift in RF upconverter 634,632,630 receives, to provide RF signal 636,638,640.In the present embodiment, each in RF signal 636,638,640, by power amplifier (PA) 642,644,646 separately, is then provided to antenna (antenna 1, antenna 2 and antenna 3) for transmission.

LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 618 comprise phase shifter LO620, and phase shifter LO620 is that each in array element 657,658,659 shares.LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 618 also comprise a plurality of variable phase shifters 624,626,628, and each in a corresponding array element 657,658,659 in a plurality of variable phase shifters receives the LO signal from phase shifter LO620.The present invention also provides a plurality of RF upconverter 630,632,634, each in a corresponding array element 647,648,649 in a plurality of RF upconverter, each in a plurality of RF upconverter receives the LO signal of phase shift, and the LO signal of this phase shift is from one of being associated in a plurality of variable phase shifters 624,626,628.RF upconverter 630,632,634 is configured to apply the IF signal 616,614,612 that RF upconverts to delay, to provide RF signal 640,638,636 to each in each antenna of phase array.

Fig. 6 b shows according to the substituting of Fig. 6 a of the present embodiment, and it can be called as path and share two-way true delay circuit, and comprises true time delay module 672 and LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 674.

IF signal 652 from vector modulator is passed to true time delay module 672.TTD module 672 is transmitted the IF signal 666,668,670 (one of each antenna/array element 6000,6002,6004 correspondence) of a plurality of delays to LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 674.LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 674 transmitted each in the antenna shown in RF signals to three for transmission.Array element the 6000,6002, the 6004th shown in Fig. 6 b, supposes that interrupteur SW 1 closure and interrupteur SW 2 disconnect.If interrupteur SW 2 closures, SW1 disconnects, array element will be defined as array element 6000 and comprise the second delay element 656, rather than first delay element 654, array element 6002 comprises the 3rd delay element 658, rather than second delay element 656, and array element 6004 comprises the 4th delay element 660, rather than the 3rd delay element 658.

True time delay module 672 comprises a plurality of variable true delay cell 654,656,658,660 of series connection, and each is configured to apply the identical reception signal in the present embodiment that is deferred to.

IF signal 652 from vector modulator is passed to the first or the 4th true delay cell 654,660, and which in closed two switches this depends on.If interrupteur SW 1662 closures, IF signal 652 is provided directly to a TTD element 654.If interrupteur SW 2664 closures, IF signal 652 directly offers the 4th TTD element 660.Provide such switch 662,664 can flow backwards IF signal 652 by the series network of TTD element 654,656,658,660, Here it is, and why it can be called as two-way.Such layout can assist to control the directivity of phased array antenna.Further select is to close SW1 and SW2 simultaneously.In this case, between different antenna elements, relatively do not postpone, RF signal is vertically sent to the array on antenna.

If interrupteur SW 1662 closures and interrupteur SW 2664 disconnect, so:

The first delay element 654 provides path delay τ 1 to IF signal 652, and the IF signal 666 that obtains postponing is to antenna 1;

The second delay element 656 provides 2* τ 1 in path delay (that is, the first and second TTD elements 654,656 and), and, to IF signal 652, the IF signal 668 that obtains postponing is to antenna 2;

The 3rd delay element 658 provides path delay 3* τ 1 to IF signal 652, and the IF signal 670 that obtains postponing is to antenna 3.

If interrupteur SW 2664 closures and interrupteur SW 1662 disconnect, IF signal 652 is contrary by the flow direction of true delay cell 654,656,658,660, make it start from the 4th delay element 660 with IF signal 670 that delay is provided to antenna 3 with end at the second delay element 656 to provide the IF signal 666 of delay to antenna 1.

The time delay that the phase shift that LO phase shifter 680,682,684 provides provides with true delay cell 654,656,658,660 can by together with tuning for required wave beam deflection angle and pattern, and can keep τ _rFequal τ _{rF, c}, by guaranteeing as described above

be used for providing broadband true time delay.

Similar with the mode described in Fig. 6 a, each in the IF signal 666,668,670 postponing is passed to RF upconverter 686,688,690 separately for RF up-conversion, uses variable phase shifter 680,682,684 separately and phase shifter LO676 to produce LO signal.Power amplifier (PA) 695,696,697 is used to amplification RF signal 692,693,694 in the present embodiment for antenna (antenna 1, antenna 2 and antenna 3) separately.

Fig. 7 shows the array element 700 according to the phased array antenna of the embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 7 comprises I/Q vector modulator 702 as shown in Figure 4, and true time delay (TTD) module 704 is couple to I/Q vector modulator 702.TTD module 704 is configured to application delay to the IF signal receiving from I/Q vector modulator 702.Fig. 7 also comprises local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 706, as shown in Fig. 5 a and 5b, is couple to true time delay module 704.LO phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 706 are configured to the IF signal times postponing with local oscillator signals, and application moves on to the IF signal of delay mutually, to provide RF signal for transmitting by antenna 712.

Variable gain amplifier (VGA) 708 is coupled between true time delay module 704 and local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 706 in the present embodiment.Power amplifier (PA) 710 is also coupled between local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module 706 and antenna 712.Fig. 7 shows general structure.Do not compare with there is no the structure of VGA in circuit, VGA708 is included in structure with increasing degree resolution.Circuit in Fig. 7 can not operate when there is no VGA708.Comprise that in the present embodiment PA710 is to show complete transmitter chain.

Fig. 8 shows the gain planisphere of the signal that can be used to transmit by phased array antenna, and this phased array antenna comprises array element as shown in Figure 7 and there is no VGA708.On radial axis, show normalized relative amplitude and with the number of degrees, show the angle that signal transmits on the axle of angle.

Total complex gain of the POVM of the local oscillator phase shifter in Fig. 7 and RF frequency converter module 706 can reach 81, and has 10 ° of phase resolutions and 1-2 position amplitude resolution.If need higher amplitude resolution, two or three VGA can be added in circuit before POVM, without departing from the scope of the invention, improved the amplitude resolution of output planisphere.If need higher phase resolution, can comprise more phase bit position.For example, be not 8 phase places using LO, but can use 16 phase places (being different from 0 °, 22.5 °, 45 °, 67.5 °, 90 °, 112.5 °, 135 °, 157.5 °).So, will need eight tri-state switch modules and eight frequency mixers rather than four.In addition, heterogeneous LO generates chain, comprises phase shifter LO502, and frequency divider 506 and multiphase filter 510 need to be modified to export 16 phase places of LO signal.Yet what it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that is that its thought is identical with disclosed herein thought.In addition, can in the situation that not departing from this disclosure, change frequency planning.

The analog result that Fig. 9 a-9b and 10a-10d show computer is used for explanation according to the operation of the phased array antenna of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 a shows for the analog RF time delay 904 on the vertical axis corresponding with RF signal 902 on trunnion axis broadband signal.In curve, illustrated at IF and there is time delay and do not there is the phased array antenna of time delay.

Article three, curve 912,916,920 shows the phase array transmitter of the vector modulator (POVM) with previously described phase place over-sampling, but there is no true time delay at IF.Each curve table is shown in the operation of different wave beam deflection angles: the first curve 912 represents that wave beam deflection angle is 67.5 °; The second curve 916 represents that wave beam deflection angle is that 22.5 ° and the 3rd curve 920 represent that wave beam deflection angle is 9.7 °.Each from three curves 912,916,920 can find out that the increase RF along with RF frequency reduces time of delay.That is,, for a certain angle, there is the different RF time delay of RF signal demand of different frequency.

Article three, curve 910,914,918 shows for the vector modulator with phase place over-sampling (POVM) and at IF, has the phased array antenna of true time delay.Every curve 910,914,918 representatives are in the work of different beams deflection angle, identical with the wave beam deflection angle of three curves 912,916,920 described above.Each from these curves 910,914,918 can be found out, 902 increases of RF frequency, and RF time delay remains unchanged.Along with frequency change has constant time delay, be favourable (with the time delay of frequency-independent), to allow the formation of broadband beams to there is stable directivity.That is, single RF time delay can be for instructing and have the signal of signal frequency range widely ideally.

Fig. 9 b shows for the analog RF phase shift 954 on the vertical axis corresponding with frequency 952 on trunnion axis broadband signal.In curve, illustrated at IF and there is true time delay and do not there is the phased array antenna of true time delay.

Curve 962,966,970 shows the vector modulator (POVM) with phase place over-sampling, but at IF, there is no the phase array transmitter of true time delay.Each curve table is shown in different deflection angle operations: the first curve 962 represents that wave beam deflection angle is 67.5 °; The second curve 966 represents that wave beam deflection angle is 22.5 °; The 3rd curve 970 represents that wave beam deflection angle is 9.7 °.Each from these curves 962,966,970 can find out, in the certain limit of RF frequency 952, RF time delay is constant.That is, there is the different RF phase shift time delay of the RF signal demand of different frequency with directed on certain angle.

Curve 960,964,968 is for having the vector modulator (POVM) of phase place over-sampling and at the phase array transmitter of the true time delay of IF.Each expression in curve 960,964,968 operates in different wave beam deflection angles, identical with the wave beam deflection angle of above-mentioned three curves 962,966,970.Can find out, from each these figure, from these curves 960,964,968, RF time of delay is linear increasing with the increase of RF frequency 902.It is favourable having the phase shift changing with frequency linearity, because can use constant time delay at RF, thereby can automatically provide required phase shift to each frequency.This is the fact that is inversely proportional to and changes with frequency due to the wavelength of signal, therefore, regular time postpone to represent RF phase shift with the increase of RF frequency linear increasing.

Figure 10 a-10d shows for time delay and the wave beam deflection angle and do not have with the simulation of the true delayed time system of IF.

Figure 10 a shows for having LO phase shift but there is no the system of true time delay, and RF frequency 1002 is on trunnion axis time, and the RF signal time on vertical axis postpones 1004 variation.RF signal time postpones 1004 along with RF frequency 1002 nonlinear change.Figure 10 b shows for having LO phase shift but there is no the system of the true time delay of IF, and RF frequency 1022 is on trunnion axis time, the variation of the wave beam deflection angle 1024 on vertical axis.Wave beam deflection angle 1024 is also along with RF frequency 1022 nonlinear change.

According to Fig. 1 () a and 1 () b, be understandable that, when the desired LO time delay of center frequency signal is set to a value, when this value is set according to the wave beam deflection angle of the characteristic frequency for RF signal, only at the RF at characteristic frequency place signal, aim at desired angle.This is that therefore, broadband signal can not be transmitted ideally because time delay and wave beam deflection angle, according to RF frequency change, this means that wave beam deflection angle can not keep constant in RF frequency certain limit.

Figure 10 c shows for the system with LO phase shift and the true time delay of IF, and RF frequency 1042 is on trunnion axis time, and the RF signal time on vertical axis postpones 1044 variation.For between 25GHz and 35GHz RF frequency 1042, RF time delay 1044 is constant.Figure 10 d shows for the system with LO phase shift and the true time delay of IF, and RF frequency 1062 is on trunnion axis time, the variation of the wave beam deflection angle 1064 on vertical axis.For the RF frequency 1062 between 25GHz and 35GHz, wave beam deflection angle 1064 is also constant.The consistency of time delay 1044 and wave beam deflection angle 1064 is favourable, because the RF signal of frequency between 25GHz and 35GHz can be to transmit for the identical value of IF time delay ideally.

Here disclosed phased array antenna is applicable to various LO phase shifts, and is not only the LO phase shift of using POVM method.As in Fig. 9 a-9b and 10a-10d simulation proved, this method can be for any frequency and any bandwidth ideally, as long as phase shift beguine recently arranges according to IF discussed in this article and LO frequency.

Because the calculating for down-conversion is also identical, disclosed apparatus and method are also applicable to need the receiver of true delay function here.Therefore, it will be understood to those of skill in the art that the disclosed herein embodiment about the transmission of RF signal can reverse operating with receiving wide-band signal.In such example, any RF upconverter relevant with transmission can be called as RF low-converter.

From simulation, significantly, do not use the system of the true time delay of IF that the bandwidth range of 1-3GHz is provided, super going beyond the scope, changes according to the phase place of frequency, can destroy wave beam and form principle.As the true time delay of use IF presently disclosed, at least can reach the bandwidth of 10GHz, and can realize wave beam formation thereon.

" coupling " of using is in this article illustrated between two parts that mutually couple also may be connected with miscellaneous part.

Disclosed apparatus and method can be used for transmitter or the receiver that needs/use broadband beams forms herein.For some application, when full frequency band comprises several narrow channel, the true delayed time system in broadband can cover all channels, to loosen the tuning demand of LO and LO phase shifter bandwidth.Wave beam forms, and can use disclosed equipment and method herein, can be used for the point of base station to putting communication system, satellite communication (VSAT) and other this type systematic.Disclosed apparatus and method advantageously provide high linearity herein, low-loss, ultra broadband wave beam formation accurately and accurately wave beam control ability.

Claims (14)

1. a phase array transmitter (200,700), is characterized in that, comprises a plurality of array elements, and each array element comprises:

Vector modulator (204);

Be couple to the true time delay module (208) of vector modulator (204);

Be couple to local oscillator phase shifter and the RF frequency converter module (212) of true time delay module (208); With

Antenna (216);

Wherein

Vector modulator (204) is configured to apply Vector Modulation to baseband signal (202), and provides intermediate-freuqncy signal (206) to true time delay module (208);

True time delay module (208) is configured to apply true time delay to intermediate-freuqncy signal (206), and provides the intermediate-freuqncy signal (210) of delay to local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (212); With

Local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (212) are configured to the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to be multiplied by local oscillator signals, and the intermediate-freuqncy signal that application moves on to delay is mutually to provide radiofrequency signal (214) to arrive antenna (216) for further transmission.

2. phase array transmitter according to claim 1 (200,700), is characterized in that, radiofrequency signal (214) is broadband signal.

3. according to claim 1 or phase array transmitter (200 claimed in claim 2,700), it is characterized in that, true time delay module (208) and local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (212) are configured to provide the radiofrequency signal (214) with following characteristic:

The phase shift changing with frequency linearity;

Radio frequency time delay with frequency-independent;

Wave beam deflection angle with frequency-independent.

4. according to the phase array transmitter (200,700) described in aforementioned arbitrary claim, it is characterized in that, vector modulator is inphase/orthogonal vector modulator (400).

5. according to the phase array transmitter (200,700) described in aforementioned arbitrary claim, it is characterized in that, local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (500) comprising:

Phase shifter local oscillator (502);

Frequency divider (506); With

Be couple to the multiphase filter (510) of phase shifter local oscillator (502);

Wherein, phase shifter local oscillator (502), frequency divider (506) and multiphase filter (510) are configured to provide the local oscillator signals (512) of a plurality of phase shifts.

6. phase array transmitter according to claim 5 (200,700), is characterized in that, local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (500) also comprise:

The vector modulator module (514,520) of phase place over-sampling, is configured to use the local oscillator signals (512 of a plurality of phase shifts; 532,534,536,538) Vector Modulation of application phase over-sampling is to the intermediate-freuqncy signal (512,522) of the delay receiving from true time delay module, so that radiofrequency signal (518,566) to be provided.

7. phase array transmitter according to claim 6 (200,700), is characterized in that, the vector modulator module (520) of phase place over-sampling comprises:

Tri-state switch module (540,542,544,546), this tri-state switch module (540,542,544,546) be configured to the phaseswitch of application+1 ,-1 or 0 to the local oscillator signals (532 of a plurality of phase shifts, 534,536,538) each, so that local oscillator signals (548 heterogeneous switch, phase shift to be provided, 550,552,554);

A plurality of frequency mixers (524,526,528,530), be configured to local oscillator signals a plurality of phaseswitchs, phase shift (548,550,552,554) and the intermediate-freuqncy signal (522) that postpones to mix to provide the radiofrequency signal (556 of a plurality of phase shifts, 558,560,562); With

Radio frequency combiner (564), is configured to combine the radiofrequency signal (556,558,560,562) of a plurality of phase shifts, so that radiofrequency signal (566) to be provided.

8. according to the phase array transmitter (200,700) described in aforementioned arbitrary claim, it is characterized in that, each local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (618,674) comprising:

Radio-frequency-up-converter (630,632,634,686,688,690), is configured to the intermediate-freuqncy signal of receive delay, and radiofrequency signal (214) is provided; With

Variable phase shifter (624,626,628,680,682,684), is configured to the phase shifter local oscillator signals that application moves on to reception mutually, to provide the local oscillator signals of phase shift to radio-frequency-up-converter (630,632,634,686,688,690);

Wherein, each variable phase shifter (624,626,628,680,682,684) of a plurality of array elements (647,648,649,6000,6002,6004) is configured to receive public phase shifter local oscillator signals.

9. according to the phase array transmitter (200 described in arbitrary claim in claim 1 to 7,700), it is characterized in that, a plurality of array elements (6000,6002,6004) comprise the first array element (6000) and one or more follow-up array element (6002,6004), wherein:

The first array element (6000) is configured to directly from vector modulator receiving intermediate frequency signal;

One or more follow-up array elements (6002,6004) be configured to from preceding array element (6000,6002) intermediate-freuqncy signal of receive delay, to provide the intermediate-freuqncy signal of other delay to the local oscillator phase shifter being associated and RF frequency converter module (618,674).

10. according to the phase array transmitter (200,700) described in aforementioned arbitrary claim, it is characterized in that, true time delay module (208,704) comprise following at least one:

The true delay line of switch;

What have a true delay function can discrete tuning passive network;

The passive network with the continuously-tuning of true delay function.

11. according to the phase array transmitter (200 described in aforementioned arbitrary claim, 700), it is characterized in that, comprise variable gain amplifier (708), variable gain amplifier (708) is coupled between true time delay module (704) and local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (706).

12. 1 kinds of phased-array receivers (200,700), is characterized in that, comprising:

Antenna (216);

Be couple to local oscillator phase shifter and the RF frequency converter module (212) of antenna (216);

Be couple to the true time delay module (208) of local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (212); With

Vector modulator (204);

Wherein

Local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (212) are configured to local oscillator signals and phase shift to be applied to the radiofrequency signal being received by antenna (216), so that the intermediate-freuqncy signal of delay to be provided;

True time delay module (208) is configured to apply true time delay to the intermediate-freuqncy signal of the delay being provided by local oscillator phase shifter and RF frequency converter module (212), and provides intermediate-freuqncy signal to arrive vector modulator (204); With

Vector modulator (204) is configured to apply vector solution and is transferred to the intermediate-freuqncy signal that true time delay module (208) provides, so that baseband signal to be provided.

13. 1 kinds of point to point communication system, is characterized in that, comprise according to phase array transmitter or phased-array receiver described in aforementioned arbitrary claim.

14. 1 kinds of methods that radiofrequency signal (214) are provided, is characterized in that, comprising:

Application Vector Modulation is to baseband signal, so that intermediate-freuqncy signal (206) to be provided;

Apply true time delay to intermediate-freuqncy signal (206), so that the intermediate-freuqncy signal (210) of delay to be provided;

The intermediate-freuqncy signal (210) postponing is multiplied by local oscillator signals and applies the intermediate-freuqncy signal (210) that moves on to mutually delay, thus the radiofrequency signal of providing (214).

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